This south Devon coastal town and the surrounding area hasn’t dubbed itself the English Riviera for nothing. Its palm-lined avenues and nine safe and sandy beaches have been attracting holidaymakers since the Victorian era. You can certainly be fooled into thinking you’re on the Côte D’Azur as warm winds blow in off the sea while you sip a cocktail on the promenade. The town caters for practically any stripe of visitor, including surf-seeking adrenaline junkies, foodies desiring fine cuisine, and families simply looking for fun and sun.

There are events and attractions all the year round, plus the glories of Dartmoor and miles of wondrous coastline right on the doorstep. For history buffs there are the spectacular Kents Cavern and the Torquay Museum, while lovers of the quirky must take a trip to Babbacombe Model Village. Plus you can take in the entire coastline and large swathes of Devon from the English Riviera Wheel located on the harbour.

Exeter Airport (EXT) is the nearest air hub to Torquay, about 25 miles away. If you’re driving, the M5 from the North or the M4 from London are the best routes in, followed by the A380. On the bus, the 12 and 22 lines link the town with other places along the coast. During the summer months, the open-topped 122 bus is a delightful way to see the coast and visit the nearby towns of Paignton and Babbacombe. Torquay railway station is a short walk along the seafront from the town centre, with direct trains from London Paddington. For fans of older forms of transport, there’s a nearby steam train railway starting at Paignton mainline station that passes through some glorious countryside.

Due to its setting on the southwesterly coast of England, the climate around Torquay is mild year round (hence the palm trees). This is a classic British seaside resort, so inevitably the summer months will be the busiest, July and August in particular. An earlier visit in the springtime — April through June — will be quieter and still warm. A visit in winter might coincide with some wet conditions, but there are plenty of distractions if the weather is not at its best. Every September there is a festival dedicated to crime writer Agatha Christie, who was born in the town. And during the festive season, you’ll encounter the Train of Lights, where the local steam train is decked out with myriad illuminations.

Agatha Christie Mile

Retrace the steps of the world’s best-selling author, synonymous with the town, along Torquay’s seafront. This self-guided walk takes you to some of the places that were inspirational to Christie’s life and work, including the hotel where she spent her honeymoon, and her favourite roller skating spot. The Torquay Museum, also on the route, is home to the United Kingdom’s only dedicated Christie gallery.

Torre Abbey

Founded in 1196, Torre Abbey became one of the wealthiest monasteries in the whole of England before its dissolution in 1539, when it became a private residence. Now it’s a multi-award-winning historical building and art gallery, and home to some wonderful gardens. There are a host of events throughout the year here, including an open-air cinema and cultural festivals. There is also a fine beach within walking distance.

Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves

Who doesn’t love a cave! This impressive range of caverns and caves is one of the most important Stone Age sites in Europe. You can step back into the distant past and see the dwellings of our ancestors and the tools they used to survive, while discovering how they used to live. There are a plethora of geological wonders, some formed over 2.5 million years ago.